Ranking the 10 Best Vikings Punters of All Time
Punters have been a crucial component of the Minnesota Vikings' special teams success since the team's founding in 1960. These skilled specialists are responsible for flipping field position, pinning opponents deep in their own territory, and helping to control the game's momentum. Throughout the Vikings' history, the punter position has produced some of the most consistent, impactful, and reliable players to ever wear the purple and gold, leaving a lasting impact on the franchise.
From powerful-legged punters with unmatched distance and hang time to precise technicians who can place the ball with pinpoint accuracy, this list represents the very best of what the position has to offer in Minnesota Vikings history. These elite punters have redefined the role, set new benchmarks for excellence, and paved the way for future generations of specialists who have followed in their footsteps.
Without further delay, here is our ranking of the 10 best Vikings punters of all time:
(If you didn’t catch Ranking the 10 Best Vikings Return Specialists of All Time, you can read that here.)
10. Darren Bennett
Accolades:
- Hall of Fame induction: No
- First-Team All-Pro selections: 1
- Pro Bowls: 2
Summary:
Darren Bennett, a former Australian rules footballer, made the transition to American football and joined the Minnesota Vikings as a punter for the 2004 season after spending the first nine seasons of his career with the San Diego Chargers from 1995 to 2003. Bennett's unique background and strong leg brought a new dimension and an experienced veteran to the Vikings' special teams unit.
Bennett's journey to the NFL was unconventional, as he had never played American football before attending a punting clinic in Australia in 1994. His natural kicking ability and athleticism caught the attention of NFL scouts, and he was signed by the San Diego Chargers in 1995. Bennett quickly established himself as one of the league's premier punters, earning a First-Team All-Pro selection and a Pro Bowl nod in his rookie season.
During his two seasons with the Vikings (2004-2005), Bennett brought his experience and skill to the team's special teams unit. In his first season with the Vikings, Bennett appeared in 15 games, punting 57 times for 2,240 yards, with an average of 39.3 yards per punt. He showcased his precision by landing 18 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line, accounting for 31.6% of his total punts.
Although his tenure with the Vikings was relatively brief compared to his time with the Chargers, Bennett's impact on the team's special teams unit was noticeable. His ability to consistently flip field position and pin opponents deep in their own territory was a valuable asset to the team.
Throughout his career, Bennett's unique background and ability to adapt to the nuances of American football made him a memorable figure in the NFL. His strong leg, precision, and consistency earned him one First-Team All-Pro selection (1995), two Pro Bowl selections (1995, 2000), and a place on the NFL's All-Decade Team for the 1990s.
Darren Bennett's legacy with the Vikings may not be as extensive as his time with the Chargers, but his impact on the team's special teams unit during his two seasons in Minnesota should not be overlooked. As an experienced veteran, Bennett brought his skill and knowledge to the Vikings' punting game, contributing to the team's success in the field position battle. His ability to transition from Australian rules football to the NFL and sustain a successful career is a testament to his natural talent and dedication to his craft. Despite his brief tenure, Bennett's contributions to the team's punting game in 2004 and 2005 earned him a place among the best Vikings punters of all time.
9. Mike Saxon
Accolades:
- Hall of Fame induction: No
- First-Team All-Pro selections: 0
- Pro Bowls: 0
Summary:
Mike Saxon, an 11th-round draft pick out of San Diego State University in 1984, played an important role in the Minnesota Vikings' special teams unit during his two seasons with the team. After spending his first nine seasons with the Dallas Cowboys (1985-1992) and New England Patriots (1993), Saxon joined the Vikings in 1994 and quickly established himself as the team's primary punter. Saxon's consistency, reliability, and ability to pin opponents deep in their own territory made him a valuable asset to the Vikings' punting game.
Saxon's strong leg and ability to consistently punt the ball with good hang time helped the Vikings' defense by forcing opponents to start drives deep in their own territory. Throughout his time in Minnesota, Saxon displayed a level of consistency that made him a dependable weapon for the Vikings' special teams unit. His ability to punt the ball with accuracy and precision helped the team control field position and gave the defense an advantage.
During his two seasons with the Vikings, Saxon appeared in all 32 games, punting 149 times for 6,249 yards, with an average of 41.9 yards per punt. His consistent performance and reliability were key factors in his success with the team.
Saxon's peak season with the Vikings came in 1994 when he punted 77 times for 3,301 yards with 42.9 yards per punt and a career-high 36.4% of punts downed inside the opponent's 20-yard line. He had a career-high 28 punts land inside the opponent's 20-yard line and only 5 punts resulting in a touchback, showcasing his incredible abilities as one of the better punters in the league during his time with the Vikings.
Although Saxon did not receive any individual accolades during his time with the Vikings, his impact on the team's special teams unit was significant. His ability to consistently flip field position and pin opponents deep in their own territory was a valuable asset to the team.
Mike Saxon's legacy with the Vikings is one of consistency and reliability. Although his tenure with the team was relatively brief compared to his time with the Cowboys, his impact on the special teams unit during his two seasons in Minnesota should not be overlooked. Saxon's strong leg, accuracy, and ability to consistently punt the ball with good hang time made him a valuable asset to the Vikings' punting game. His contributions to the team's success during his time in Minnesota, especially his peak performance in 1994, earned him a place among the franchise's best punters.
8. Ryan Quigley
Accolades:
- Hall of Fame induction: No
- First-Team All-Pro selections: 0
- Pro Bowls: 0
Summary:
Ryan Quigley, an undrafted free agent from Boston College in 2012, joined the Minnesota Vikings for the 2017 season and made an immediate impact on the team's special teams unit. Quigley's strong leg, accuracy, and ability to consistently pin opponents deep in their own territory made him a valuable addition to the Vikings' punting game. After his season with the Vikings, Quigley retired as a Minnesota Viking.
Quigley brought a wealth of experience to the Vikings, having previously played for the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals. His ability to handle pressure situations and consistently deliver quality punts made him a reliable option for the Vikings.
During his season with the Vikings, Quigley showcased his ability to flip field position and help the team's defense by forcing opponents to start drives deep in their own territory. His accuracy and hang time on punts allowed the Vikings' coverage unit to get downfield and make plays.
Quigley appeared in all 16 games for the Vikings in 2017, punting 71 times for 2,994 yards, with an average of 42.2 yards per punt. He had a career-high 29 punts downed inside the opponent's 20-yard line, with an impressive 40.8% of his punts being downed inside the opponent's 20-yard line. His longest punt of the season was a 56-yard bomb, demonstrating his strong leg and ability to change field position with a single kick.
Although Quigley did not receive any individual accolades during his time with the Vikings, his impact on the team's special teams unit was evident. His consistent performance and reliability were key factors in his success with the team.
Ryan Quigley's legacy with the Vikings may be short, but his impact on the team's special teams unit during his single season in Minnesota should not be overlooked. Quigley's strong leg, accuracy, and ability to consistently pin opponents deep in their own territory made him a valuable asset to the Vikings' punting game. His contributions to the team's success during the 2017 season, particularly his career-high percentage of punts downed inside the opponent's 20-yard line, earned him a place among the franchise's best punters, despite his brief tenure. Quigley's decision to retire as a Minnesota Viking following the 2017 season solidifies his place in the team's history.
7. Matt Wile
Accolades:
- Hall of Fame induction: No
- First-Team All-Pro selections: 0
- Pro Bowls: 0
Summary:
Matt Wile, an undrafted free agent from the University of Michigan in 2015, joined the Minnesota Vikings for the 2018 season and made a significant contribution to the team's special teams unit. Wile's strong leg, accuracy, and ability to consistently flip field position made him a valuable asset to the Vikings' punting game.
Before joining the Vikings, Wile had brief stints with the Carolina Panthers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Atlanta Falcons, and Arizona Cardinals. His stints with the Falcons and Cardinals came in 2016. Wile's perseverance and dedication to his craft eventually led him to a more stable role with the Vikings in 2018.
During his season with the Vikings, Wile showcased his ability to punt the ball with good hang time and distance, helping the team's defense by forcing opponents to start drives deep in their own territory. His accuracy and consistency were key factors in his success with the team.
Wile appeared in all 16 games for the Vikings in 2018, punting 72 times for 3,255 yards, with a career-high average of 45.2 yards per punt. He had 27 punts downed inside the opponent's 20-yard line, an impressive 37.5% of his total punts. Additionally, only 2 of his 72 punts resulted in touchbacks, demonstrating his precision and ability to control field position. His longest punt of the season was a booming 70-yard kick, showcasing his strong leg and ability to change field position with a single punt.
Although Wile did not receive any individual accolades during his time with the Vikings, his impact on the team's special teams unit was evident. His consistent performance and reliability were crucial to the team's success in the field position battle.
After his season with the Vikings, Wile had a brief stint with the Atlanta Falcons in 2019 before being released.
Matt Wile's legacy with the Vikings may be limited to a single season, but his impact on the team's special teams unit during that time should not be overlooked. Wile's strong leg, accuracy, and ability to consistently flip field position made him a valuable asset to the Vikings' punting game. His contributions to the team's success during the 2018 season, particularly his career-high average yards per punt and impressive percentage of punts downed inside the opponent's 20-yard line, earned him a place among the franchise's best punters, despite his short tenure with the team.
6. Britton Colquitt
Accolades:
- Hall of Fame induction: No
- First-Team All-Pro selections: 0
- Pro Bowls: 0
Summary:
Britton Colquitt, a veteran punter with a strong leg and a wealth of experience, joined the Minnesota Vikings for the 2019 and 2020 seasons. Colquitt's consistency, accuracy, and ability to pin opponents deep in their own territory made him a valuable addition to the Vikings' special teams unit.
Colquitt came to the Vikings with an impressive resume, having previously played for the Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns. His experience and proven track record of success made him a reliable option for the Vikings' punting game.
During his two seasons with the Vikings, Colquitt showcased his ability to consistently flip field position and help the team's defense by forcing opponents to start drives deep in their own territory. His accuracy, hang time, and precision were key factors in his success with the team.
In his first season with the Vikings in 2019, Colquitt appeared in all 16 games, punting 62 times for 2,805 yards, with an impressive average of 45.2 yards per punt. He had 24 of his punts land inside the opponent's 20-yard line, with 38.7% of his punts being downed inside the opponent's 20-yard line. Remarkably, not a single one of his 62 punts resulted in a touchback, showcasing his precision and ability to control field position. His longest punt of the season was a booming 59-yard kick, demonstrating his strong leg and ability to change field position with a single punt.
Colquitt's consistency and reliability continued into the 2020 season, where he appeared in 16 games, punting 54 times for 2,435 yards, with an average of 45.1 yards per punt. His longest punt of the season was a 59-yard kick, demonstrating his ability to consistently punt the ball with distance and accuracy.
Although Colquitt did not receive any individual accolades during his time with the Vikings, his impact on the team's special teams unit was significant. His consistent performance, experience, and leadership were valuable assets to the team's punting game.
After his two seasons with the Vikings, Colquitt signed with the Atlanta Falcons for the 2021 season, where he continued to demonstrate his skills as a reliable punter.
Britton Colquitt's legacy with the Vikings is one of consistency, reliability, and experience. His strong leg, accuracy, and ability to consistently pin opponents deep in their own territory made him a valuable asset to the team's punting game during his two seasons in Minnesota. Colquitt's contributions to the team's success during the 2019 and 2020 seasons, particularly his impressive percentage of punts downed inside the opponent's 20-yard line and his ability to avoid touchbacks, earned him a place among the best Vikings punters of all time, solidifying his impact on the team's special teams unit.
5. Jordan Berry
Accolades:
- Hall of Fame induction: No
- First-Team All-Pro selections: 0
- Pro Bowls: 0
Summary:
Jordan Berry, an Australian-born punter, joined the Minnesota Vikings for the 2021 season, bringing his strong leg and experience to the team's special teams unit. Berry's consistency, accuracy, and ability to flip field position made him a valuable addition to the Vikings' punting game.
Before joining the Vikings, Berry spent six seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he established himself as a reliable and consistent punter. His experience and proven track record of success made him an attractive option for the Vikings when they sought to bolster their special teams unit.
During his season with the Vikings, Berry showcased his ability to consistently punt the ball with good hang time and distance, helping the team's defense by forcing opponents to start drives deep in their own territory. His accuracy and precision were key factors in his success with the team.
In the 2021 season, Berry appeared in all 17 games for the Vikings, punting a career-high 78 times for 3,624 yards, with an impressive average of 46.5 yards per punt. He had 26 of his punts land inside the opponent's 20-yard line, accounting for 33.3% of his total punts. His longest punt of the season was a booming 64-yard kick, showcasing his strong leg and ability to change field position with a single punt.
Berry's consistency and reliability were crucial to the Vikings' success in the field position battle throughout the season. His ability to pin opponents deep in their own territory and help the defense by giving them good starting field position was a valuable asset to the team.
Although Berry did not receive any individual accolades during his time with the Vikings, his impact on the team's special teams unit was evident. His consistent performance and experience were key factors in his success with the team.
Jordan Berry's legacy with the Vikings may be limited to a single season, but his impact on the team's special teams unit during that time should not be overlooked. Berry's strong leg, accuracy, and ability to consistently flip field position made him a valuable asset to the Vikings' punting game. His contributions to the team's success during the 2021 season, particularly his career-high number of punts and impressive average yards per punt, earned him a place among the franchise's best punters, despite his short tenure with the team.
4. Ryan Wright
Accolades:
- Hall of Fame induction: No
- First-Team All-Pro selections: 0
- Pro Bowls: 0
Summary:
Ryan Wright, an undrafted free agent out of Tulane University in 2022, quickly made a name for himself as the Minnesota Vikings' primary punter during his rookie season. Wright's strong leg, accuracy, and ability to consistently flip field position made him a valuable asset to the Vikings' special teams unit.
Wright's journey to the NFL was one of hard work and dedication. Despite not being selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, he earned a spot on the Vikings' roster through his impressive performance during training camp and the preseason.
During his rookie season with the Vikings, Wright showcased his ability to punt the ball with excellent hang time and distance, helping the team's defense by forcing opponents to start drives deep in their own territory. His accuracy and precision were key factors in his success with the team.
In the 2022 season, his peak season, Wright appeared in all 17 games for the Vikings, punting 73 times for 3,457 yards, with an impressive average of 47.4 yards per punt. He had 32 of his punts land inside the opponent's 20-yard line, accounting for an impressive 43.8% of his total punts. Remarkably, only 1 of his 73 punts resulted in a touchback, demonstrating his precision and ability to control field position. His longest punt of the season was a booming 73-yard kick, showcasing his incredible leg strength and ability to change field position with a single punt.
Wright's consistency and reliability were crucial to the Vikings' success in the field position battle throughout the season. His ability to pin opponents deep in their own territory and help the defense by giving them good starting field position was a valuable asset to the team.
Although Wright did not receive any individual accolades during his rookie season with the Vikings, his impact on the team's special teams unit was evident. His consistent performance and potential for growth were key factors in his success with the team.
Ryan Wright's legacy with the Vikings is just beginning, but his impressive rookie season has already earned him a place among the franchise's best punters. Wright's strong leg, accuracy, and ability to consistently flip field position make him a valuable asset to the Vikings' punting game, and his potential for growth suggests that he could become one of the most successful punters in team history. As Wright continues to develop his skills and gain experience, he has the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the Vikings' special teams unit for years to come.
3. Jeff Locke
Accolades:
- Hall of Fame induction: No
- First-Team All-Pro selections: 0
- Pro Bowls: 0
Summary:
Jeff Locke, a fifth-round draft pick out of UCLA in 2013, was the Minnesota Vikings' primary punter for four seasons, from 2013 to 2016. Locke's strong leg, accuracy, and consistency made him a valuable asset to the Vikings' special teams unit during his tenure with the team.
Locke's journey to the NFL began with a successful college career at UCLA, where he established himself as one of the top punters in the nation. His impressive performance caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his selection by the Vikings in the 2013 NFL Draft.
During his four seasons with the Vikings, Locke showcased his ability to consistently punt the ball with good hang time and distance, helping the team's defense by forcing opponents to start drives deep in their own territory. His accuracy and precision were key factors in his success with the team.
Locke's best season with the Vikings came in 2016, when he appeared in all 16 games and punted 74 times for 3,155 yards, with an impressive average of 42.6 yards per punt. He had 34 of his punts land inside the opponent's 20-yard line, accounting for a career-high 45.9% of his total punts. Remarkably, only 3 of his 74 punts resulted in a touchback, demonstrating his precision and ability to control field position. His longest punt of the season was a booming 72-yard kick, showcasing his strong leg and ability to change field position with a single punt.
Throughout his tenure with the Vikings, Locke's consistency and reliability were crucial to the team's success in the field position battle. His ability to pin opponents deep in their own territory and help the defense by giving them good starting field position was a valuable asset to the team.
Although Locke did not receive any individual accolades during his time with the Vikings, his impact on the team's special teams unit was evident. His consistent performance and reliability were key factors in his success with the team.
After his time with the Vikings, Locke spent a season with the Detroit Lions in 2017.
Jeff Locke's legacy with the Vikings is one of consistency and reliability. His strong leg, accuracy, and ability to consistently flip field position made him a valuable asset to the team's punting game during his four seasons in Minnesota. Locke's contributions to the team's success during his tenure, particularly his impressive 2016 season, earned him a place among the best Vikings punters of all time, solidifying his impact on the team's special teams unit.
2. Chris Kluwe
Accolades:
- Hall of Fame induction: No
- First-Team All-Pro selections: 0
- Pro Bowls: 0
Summary:
Chris Kluwe, an undrafted free agent out of UCLA in 2005, became the Minnesota Vikings' primary punter for eight seasons, from 2005 to 2012. Kluwe's strong leg, accuracy, and consistency made him one of the most recognizable and impactful punters in Vikings history.
Kluwe's journey to the NFL began with a successful college career at UCLA, where he showcased his talent and potential as a punter. Despite going undrafted, Kluwe earned a spot on the Vikings' roster through his impressive performance during training camp and the preseason.
During his eight seasons with the Vikings, Kluwe established himself as one of the league's most consistent and reliable punters. His ability to punt the ball with excellent hang time and distance, combined with his accuracy and precision, made him a valuable asset to the Vikings' special teams unit.
Kluwe's best season with the Vikings came in 2010, when he appeared in all 16 games and punted 83 times for 3,569 yards, with an impressive average of 43.0 yards per punt. He had an astounding 32 punts land inside the opponent's 20-yard line, accounting for 38.6% of his total punts. Remarkably, only 5 of his 83 punts resulted in a touchback, demonstrating his precision and ability to control field position. His longest punt of the season was a remarkable 59-yard kick, showcasing his strong leg and ability to change field position with a single punt.
Throughout his tenure with the Vikings, Kluwe's consistency and reliability were crucial to the team's success in the field position battle. His ability to pin opponents deep in their own territory and help the defense by giving them good starting field position was a valuable asset to the team.
Off the field, Kluwe was known for his outspoken personality and activism, particularly his support for same-sex marriage and other social causes. His willingness to use his platform to advocate for social justice issues made him a unique and influential figure in the NFL.
Kluwe retired from the NFL as a Minnesota Viking following the 2012 season, having played his entire career with the Vikings.
Chris Kluwe's legacy with the Vikings is one of consistency, reliability, and social activism. His strong leg, accuracy, and ability to consistently flip field position made him a valuable asset to the team's punting game during his eight seasons in Minnesota. Kluwe's contributions to the team's success during his tenure, particularly his impressive 2010 season, combined with his off-field advocacy, earned him a place among the franchise's most memorable and impactful punters. His lasting impact on the Vikings' special teams unit and his role as a vocal advocate for social causes cement his status as one of the most significant figures in team history.
1. Mitch Berger
Accolades:
- Hall of Fame induction: No
- First-Team All-Pro selections: 0
- Pro Bowls: 2
Summary:
Mitch Berger, a sixth-round draft pick out of the University of Colorado in 1994, was the Minnesota Vikings' primary punter for six seasons, from 1996 to 2001. Berger's strong leg, accuracy, and consistency made him one of the most successful and decorated punters in Vikings history.
Berger's journey to the Vikings began with a brief stint with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1994 and a season with the Cincinnati Bengals in 1995. However, it was with the Vikings that Berger truly established himself as one of the league's premier punters.
During his six seasons with the Vikings, Berger consistently demonstrated his ability to punt the ball with excellent hang time, distance, and accuracy. His precision and skill in pinning opponents deep in their own territory made him a valuable asset to the Vikings' special teams unit.
Berger's best season with the Vikings came in 1999, when he appeared in all 16 games and punted 61 times for 2,769 yards, with an impressive average of 45.4 yards per punt. His longest punt of the season was a remarkable 75-yard kick, showcasing his incredible leg strength and ability to change field position with a single punt. Berger's outstanding performance earned him a Second-Team All-Pro selection and his first Pro Bowl appearance.
Throughout his tenure with the Vikings, Berger's consistency and reliability were crucial to the team's success in the field position battle. His ability to consistently flip field position and give the defense good starting field position was a valuable asset to the team.
After his time with the Vikings, Berger went on to have successful stints with the St. Louis Rams, New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, and Pittsburgh Steelers. He earned his second Pro Bowl appearance in 2004 as a member of the Saints.
Mitch Berger's legacy with the Vikings is one of excellence, consistency, and reliability. His strong leg, accuracy, and ability to consistently flip field position made him a valuable asset to the team's punting game during his six seasons in Minnesota. Berger's contributions to the team's success during his tenure, combined with his individual accolades, earned him a place among the franchise's most successful and impactful punters. His lasting impact on the Vikings' special teams unit and his status as a two-time First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection cement his position as one of the greatest punters in team history.
The Enduring Legacy of the Best Vikings Punters of All Time
Throughout the history of the Minnesota Vikings, the punter position has produced some of the most consistent and impactful players to ever wear the purple and gold. Specialists like Chris Kluwe, Jeff Locke, and Mitch Berger have left lasting impressions on the franchise with their exceptional skills, clutch performances, and unwavering commitment to excellence. As the NFL has evolved, the role of the punter has become increasingly strategic and valuable. From the powerful-legged punters of the past to the precise, technically-skilled specialists of today, the position has adapted to meet the demands of modern special teams units. These elite punters are now tasked with not only flipping field position and pinning opponents deep in their own territory but also executing directional punts, coffin corner kicks, and even contributing as holders on field goal attempts. Their ability to impact the game in critical situations, from helping to control field position in tight contests to giving their defense room to operate, can be the difference between winning and losing. The punters we've highlighted in this article represent the very best in Vikings history, each having made a significant impact on the team and its fans. From the booming punts and hang time of Chris Kluwe and the consistency of Mitch Berger to the precision and placement skills of Britton Colquitt, these players have set the bar for what it means to be an elite punter in Minnesota. As the Vikings continue to build towards a championship future, a new generation of punters is ready to carry on the tradition and build upon the legacies of those who came before them. Even in just his third season, Ryan Wright demonstrates the skills, work ethic, and potential to ascend further in the ranks of all-time greats and mold the future of his position in Minnesota. The punter position has a storied history filled with some of the most consistent and impactful players in Vikings history. These legendary specialists have not only redefined what it means to play the position but have also left a lasting impact on the team, its fans, and the Minnesota community as a whole. As the Vikings move forward, the legacy of these all-time great punters will continue to inspire and influence the next generation of players, ensuring that the position remains a vital and respected role in the team's success for years to come. Read next: Ranking the 10 Best Vikings Field Goal Kickers of All Time - Discover the 10 best field goal kickers in Minnesota Vikings history, from legends like Gary Anderson to players such as Blair Walsh.
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